Around 50 people from organisations across Warrington and the wider North West attended an inspiring Neurodiversity in the Workplace Workshop, hosted by national social care charity Making Space.
The event brought together managers, HR professionals, business leaders and committed colleagues who want to create more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees. With an estimated 15–20% of UK adults being neurodivergent – but 30–40% still unemployed – the workshop aimed to challenge stigma, remove barriers and highlight the strengths neurodivergent people bring to the workforce.
The event offered practical guidance on small, manageable adjustments businesses can make to support neurodivergent staff, as well as personal stories from speakers with lived experience. To ensure the workshop was accessible for all attendees, Making Space incorporated fidget toys, a traffic-light communication system, extra spacing between seats and encouraged people to take breaks whenever needed.
Daryhl Lewis, Wellbeing Services Manager at Making Space, opened the session with an introduction to neurodiversity and an overview of the training and support the charity offers to businesses.
Attendees also heard a special video message from Dan Bird, star of The Traitors Season 3, who reflected on how his autism diagnosis shaped his experience on the show. Dan explained that his neurodivergence helped him approach the game differently from other contestants: “The unique ways I saw the game were massive strengths for me. I was able to analyse things from different angles, and being able to separate my emotions from my gameplay really helped because I never took anything too personally.”
Donna Garraway, Team Manager at Seetec Pluss Warrington, shared her personal journey of being neurodivergent in the workplace and the adjustments Seetec uses to champion neuro-inclusion.
Neil Lewis, The Empathy Coach, led a dynamic panel discussion exploring topics such as supporting young neurodivergent people into work, how neurodivergent thinking can boost business performance, and what managers should (and shouldn’t) do when leading neurodivergent staff.
Panel speakers included:
- Jade Palmer, Head of Philanthropy & Business Development, Petty Pool Trust
- Kevin Berry, Neurodiversity Support Manager, HMP Liverpool
- Lucy Stanistreet, Small Business Consultant, L8Six
- Amanda Hornby, Dyslexia Specialist Trainer, British Dyslexia Association
Kevin’s moment of doodling a horse during the panel prompted laughter when he asked if anyone minded and a delegate quickly responded: “Neigh!”. The panel used the moment to highlight how many children – and adults -are discouraged from doodling, despite it helping them concentrate.
Reflecting on the event, Natalie Bargery, Making Space Corporate Fundraising Lead, said: “I have learnt so much from our speakers and panellists. They provided so much knowledge and insight and managed to put it across in an interesting and fun way. I hope everyone who attended has gone home with plenty of ideas on how to make their workplace more neuro-inclusive, and that together we can ensure more neurodivergent people are happy and thriving in work.”
The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from delegates, including: “What an inspiring and insightful day. Every conversation, event and piece of training is another step towards a more inclusive world for us and future generations.” – via LinkedIn
“Eye-opening. Each speaker gave me new insights, helped me name feelings I’ve carried for years, and showed me how to bring that understanding back into work to better support my team and customers.” – via LinkedIn
Emma Myles, Professional Trainer at Petty Pool, a specialist education provider for young adults with learning disabilities and difficulties based in Cheshire, said: “At Petty Pool, we believe neurodiversity is a strength! We see every day the talent, creativity and fresh thinking that neurodivergent young people bring. Events like this show how small, thoughtful changes in the workplace can make a big difference to wellbeing and team culture.
Our employer training is shaped by neurodivergent colleagues and learners, so the guidance we share is rooted in lived experience as well as good practice. It’s about helping organisations feel more confident, ask better questions and create environments where different ways of thinking are genuinely valued. Anyone interested can contact me at emma.myles@pettypool.org.uk.”
Based in Warrington, Making Space delivers care, support and wellbeing services across the UK. All proceeds from the event went directly to Making Space, helping the charity continue its work to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia and other complex needs, as well as the families and carers who support them.
